Puppet and fastener for connecting the articulated members thereof

ABSTRACT

A puppet is described which has a plurality of planar members respectively representing different parts of a human body. Each member is articulately connected to at least one other member to form a pair of jointed members. At least one of the members of each connected pair is provided with an aperture and a fastener is provided which is connected to an other member of each connected pair. The fastener has an elongate portion adapted to pass through a respective aperture with an enlarged free end which is dimensioned to prevent free passage thereof through the aperture. In this manner, the two connected members can move relative to one another by pivotally moving about the elongate portion of the fastener without separating due to the restraining effect of the enlarged free end. According to one described embodiment, the fastener is die cut in the other member with a weakened fold line being provided at the end of the elongate portion opposite to the enlarged free end to facilitate bending of the fastener out of the plane of the other member. According to another described embodiment, each member is provided with an aperture at the point of articulation, an elongate portion being adapted to pass through two apertures of the respective articulated members and being provided with enlarged free ends dimensioned to prevent passage through the apertures.

United States Patent [191 Schoeman et al.

[ Oct. 28, 1975 [22] Filed: Jan. 9, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 431,679

Primary Examinerl-lugh R. Chamblee Assistant ExaminerJ. Q. LeverAttorney, Agent, or FirmFriedman & Goodman [57] ABSTRACT A puppet isdescribed which has a plurality of planar members respectivelyrepresenting different parts of a human body. Each member isarticulately connected to at least one other member to form a pair ofjointed members. At least one of the members of each connected pair isprovided with an aperture and a fastener is provided which is connectedto an other member of each connected pair. The fastener has an elongateportion adapted to pass through a respective aperture with an enlargedfree end which is dimensioned to prevent free passage thereof throughthe aperture. In this manner, the two connected members can moverelative to one another by pivotally moving about the elongate portionof the fastener without separating due to the restraining effect of theenlarged free end. According to one described embodiment, the fasteneris die cut in the other member with a weakened fold line being providedat the end of the elongate-portion opposite to the enlarged free end tofacilitate bending of the fastener out of the plane of the other member.According to another described embodiment, each member is provided withan aperture at the point of articulation, an elongate portion beingadapted to pass through two apertures of the respective articulatedmembers and being provided with enlarged free ends dimensioned toprevent passage through the apertures.

8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures US. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 Sheet10f2 3,914,897

U.S. Patent Oct.28, 1975 Sheet2of2 3,914,897

FIG. 8

PUPPET AND FASTENER FOR CONNECTING THE ARTICULATED MEMBERS THEREOFBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various puppets are already known whichpermit selective movements of different parts thereof which representparts of a human or animal body. Some of the puppets available are diecut from flat or planar sheets of material, such as paper. However,suitable connecting means for articularly connecting two body members toone another has either been time consuming during the assembly of thepuppet or has been too costly to be practical in the manufacture ofinexpensive puppets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a puppet and fastener means for interconnectingarticulated members thereof which are not possessed of the abovedescribed disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a puppet whichis simple in construction and economical to manufacture.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a puppetmade of planar members which are articularly connected to one anotherand which are provided with inexpensive fastener means which facilitatethe assembly of the puppet and which are inexpensive to manufacture.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a puppet,including a plurality of planar articulated members, and fastener meansin the form of planar tabs having enlarged ends which retain twoarticulated members in proximity to one another while permitting freepivotal movement of one member relative to the other about the fastener.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a puppetwherein each joint or point of articulation is formed by an aperture ineach cooperating puppet member and a tabular fastener which has twoenlarged free ends and an elongate portion which extends through theapertures, means being provided in the form of a slit in at least one ofthe members for facilitating the insertion of an enlarged end of afastener through a respective aperture.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide afastener which may be die cut from a planar sheet material, such aspaper or cardboard, and which permits free articulation of two puppetmembers while preventing the latter from separating from one another.

To achieve the above objects, as well as others which will becomeapparent hereafter, a puppet in accordance with the present inventioncomprises a plurality of members, each member being articulatelyconnected to at least one other member to form a pair of jointedmembers. At least one of the members of each connected pair is providedwith an aperture. A fastener is connected to the other member of eachconnected pair. Each fastener has an elongate portion adapted to passthrough a respective aperture. Each fastener is further provided with anenlarged free end dimensioned to prevent free passage through saidaperture. In this manner, each two connected members can move relativeto one another by pivotally moving about an elongate portion of saidfastener without separating due to the restraining effect of theenlarged free end. Advantageously, said fastener is a planar member.

In the presently preferred embodiment, said enlarged free end is in theform of a semi-circular flat portion having a diametrically extendingstraight edge. The elongate portion in this embodiment is connected tosaid straight edge.

In accordance with one version of the present invention, said othermember is flat and said fastener is die cut in said other member. Here,a weakened fold line is provided at the end of said elongate portionopposite said enlarged free end, said fold line facilitating bending ofsaid fastener out of the plane of said other member.

According to another version of the present invention, each member isprovided with an aperture at the point of articulation. Here, saidelongate portion is adapted to pass through two apertures of tworespective articulated members and are provided with enlarged free endseach dimensioned to prevent passage through said apertures.

A fastener in accordance with the present invention suitable forinterconnecting articulated members of a puppet, wherein each member isprovided with an aperture at the point of articulation, comprises anelongate portion adapted to pass through two apertures of two respectivearticulated members. Enlarged means are provided at each end of saidelongate portion, each enlarged means being dimensioned to prevent freepassage through the apertures. In this manner, two members can moverelative to one another, as with the second above described version ofthe present invention, by pivotally moving about the elongate portion ofa respective fastener without separating due to the restraining effectof the enlarged means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With the above and additional objectsand advantages in view, as will hereinafter appear, this inventioncomprises the devices, combinations and arrangements of partshereinafter described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings .of apreferred embodiment in which: 7

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a puppet in accordance with thepresent invention, showing the component members of the puppetarticulately connected to one another with connecting means inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a frontelevational view of a supporting member and a supportedmember of a puppet prior to connection at an articulation point or jointby the fastener means of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a connecting tab or fastener in accordancewith the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and insertable through theapertures shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmented view of a supported and supporting member similarto that shown in FIG. 2, further showing the connecting fastenerextending through the respective apertures of the supported member;

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the members shown in FIG. 4, taken alongline 55;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of another puppet including aplurality of moving parts or members which are articulatelyinterconnected by means of a second embodiment of the fastener means inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 are fragmented views of a supporting and supported puppet membersprovided with the fastener means utilized in FIG. 6,'shown prior toassembly; and

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7 but shown subsequent to assembly wherein theconnecting or fastener tab formed in one of the members is extendedthrough an aperture in the other of the members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings,in which identical or similar parts have been designated by the samereference numerals throughout, and first referring to FIG. 1, a puppetin accordance with the present invention is shown and generallydesignated by the reference numeral 10. I

The puppet 10 is formed of a plurality of members each corresponding toanother part of a human body. The actual number of parts is not criticalfor the purposes of the present invention, and as many or as few partsmay be provided as desired. Clearly, the more segmented the puppet ismade or the more movable parts which are provided, the more complex thepuppet becomes and the more intricate the movements which the puppet canbe made to simulate.

In the puppet of FIG. 1, a torso 10a is shown connected to an upperchest portion 10b. A neck member 100 and a head member 10d are connectedto the chest member 10b, the latter also acting as a supporting memberfor the arms of the puppet which are respectively made of members 10e,10f and 10g. A pelvic member 10/1 is connected to the torso 10a, themember 10/1 supporting the legs of the puppet which respectively includemembers 101' and lj. As will become clear from the description of thepuppet shown in FIG. 6, fewer members can be provided by combiningseveral of the above members such as, for example, combining the torsoand pelvic members. While the combination of such members limits thetype of movements which the puppet can be made to simulate, puppets withfewer members are easier to construct and are also easier to operate.

The above described members or parts of the puppets are advantageouslymade from planar sheet material, such as cardboard or paper. The membersa-10j above described are, in accordance with the presently preferredconstruction, die cut segments formed of a stiff sheet of paper orcardboard.

An important feature of the present invention is the provision ofinexpensive and effective connecting means 11, at each point ofarticulation or joint between two body or puppet members. Referring toFIG. 2, the present invention will be described in terms of a supportingmember 12 and a supported member 14. Clearly, in the construction shownin FIG. 1, each two associated or cooperating puppet members define asupporting and a supported member. For purposes of illustration, thesupporting member 12 is in the form of a torso while the supportedmember 14 is in the form of an arm to be articulately mounted at a jointin the shoulder region of the torso. According to one embodiment of thepresent invention, an aperture 16 is formed at the desired point ofarticulation in the supporting member and a corresponding hole 18 isformed at the desired articulation point of the supported member 14. Forreasons to be described hereafter, a slit 20 is provided which extendsbetween the hole 18 and an outer peripheral edge of a respective puppetmember. Such a slit, when separated or enlarged, permits the-passage 4of an object the'rethrough, as to be described hereafter. The connectingmeans 11 is shown in FIG. 3 and is in the form of a connecting tab orfastener including an elongate portion 24 having enlarged free ends 26.The

spaced free ends 26 form cutout regions 28. I

, In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the connecting tab or fastening tab 11 is die cut from aplanar sheet of material such as paper or cardboard. However, the'tab 11can equally be made from any material such as plastic or'metal. Theenlarged free ends or enlargements 26 are shown t'o'be' each in the formof 'a semi-circular portion having a diametrically extending straightedge. The elongate portion 24 extends between the two opposingdiametrically extending straight edges of the two semicircular portions26. The resulting cutouts 28 are rectangular in shape. As will becomeevident from the description that follows, the particular shape of thefree end portions 26 or of the cutouts 28 is not critical for thepurposes of the present invention. It is only important that theelongate portion 24' is dimensioned to extend through the holes orapertures 16 and 18 with clearance and that the free end portions 26 bedimensioned to prevent free passage through the apertures. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, the latter requirement is achieved byselecting the length of the diametrically extending straight edgesgreater than the diameters of the holes 16 and 18. In this manner, theelongate portion 24 acts as a pivot pin about which the connectedmembers can move relative to one another while not being permitted toseparate due to the restraining effect of the enlarged'free end 26. Thisfunction of theconnecting or fastening tabs 11 is depicted in FIG. 5. I

Since the planar dimensions of the enlarged free ends 26 are greaterthan the transversedimensions of the holes 16 and 18, initial assemblyorinsertion or passage of thefree ends 26 through the holes 16 and 18can be achieved in one of two ways. Since, in the presently preferredembodiments, the connecting or fastening tabs 11 aremade fromaflexibleyet stiff material such as paper or cardboard, the enlargedfree ends 26 can be temporarily deformed or bent to result in a decreasein overall transverse dimensions to permit passage through one of theholes of the puppet members. However, in accordance with another featureof the present invention, a slit 20 is provided in one or both of thearticulated members which provides a passageway topermit the connectingor fastening tab 11 to be inserted into a respective hole. This isachieved by separating the opposing edges of the slit 20 to form a pathextending between an external edge of a member and a respective hole.The path defined by the slit 20 need only be sufficiently wideto-receive the thickness of the fastening tab 11. By deforming themember at the slit in i this manner, an elongate portion 24 of a tab 11can be moved through the slit and moved internally into a hole formed ina member. Once disposed within a pair of holes, the opposing slit edgesare again aligned into the plane of the planar member to again close thehole and prevent the tab 11 from moving externally thereof. In

a broad sense, the fastener is connected to one of the members with theelongate portion thereof passing through an aperture of another of themembers. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the fastening tab 11 isconnected to both members in the same fashion,

namely by means of a corresponding enlarged portion 26 abutting againsteach member.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, a second embodiment of the present invention isshown wherein the connecting tabs are permanently connected to a memberof each connected pair of members. In FIG. 6, a puppet 30 generally ofthe type described in connection with FIG. 1 is shown comprising puppetmembers or segments 30a-30e. The construction in each case is generallysimilar except that fewer segments or members are provided in the puppet30, as suggested above. Thus, the torso and pelvic members have beencombined to form a member 30a and the hands and lower arm members havebeen combined to form members 300.

Referring to FIG. 7, the connecting means is generally designated by thereference numberal 31. This modified connecting means is permanentlyconnected to and is advantageously integral with a supporting member 32.In this embodiment, the supported member 34 corresponds to the supportedmember 14 shown in FIGS. 24. The fastener tab includes an elongateportion 36 which is provided at the free end thereof with an enlargedsemi-circular portion 38 having a diametrically extending straight edge40 to which the elongate portion is connected.

In the second embodiment, the connecting means 31 is preferably die cutfrom the supporting member 32. Advantageously, a weakened fold line 42is provided at the end of the elongate portion 36 opposite to the endprovided with the enlargement 38. The weakened fold line 42 facilitatesbending of the fastener 31, including the elongate portion 36 and theenlargement 38, out of the plane of the supporting member 32.Advantageously, relatively small holes 44 are die cut or punched in thesupporting member 32 at each end of the fold line 42. Such small holes44 tend to retard tearing of the elongate portion 36 from the supportingmember 32 along the fold line 42.

As with the supported member 14, the supported member 34 is providedwith an aperture or hole 46 whose diameter is smaller than the length ofthe edge 40. A slit 48 is similarly provided which is similar to theslit 20 and serves the same function.

Assembly of the puppet 30 entails the lifting of each die cut tab ofeach supporting member out of the plane of the latter. In the presentlypreferred embodiment, each fold line is disposed substantially normallyto the longitudinal extent of the elongate portion 36. In this manner,the elongate portion can pivot about the fold line in a plane defined bythe elongate portion and a direction normal to the same. Although thetab 31 can be pivoted to any desired angular orientation about theweakened fold line 42, the tabs tend to revert to positions coextensivewith the planar members in which they are formed due to the restoringforces of the material. In each instance, a supported member has theopposing edges of a respective slit opened to provide a path for acorresponding elongate portion 36. Once the elongate portion 36 is fullyreceived within a hole or aperture 46, the opposing edges of the slit 48are again aligned to close or eliminatethe path. This is illustrated inFIG. 8.

While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 has separable or removableconnecting tabs 11 which permit simple replacement of damaged connectingtabs, the puppet 30, including the connecting tabs 31, has the advantagethat the tabs are integrally formed with members of the puppet and, forthis reason, facilitate and speed up assembly thereof.

As evident from the drawings and the above description, the puppets inaccordance with the present invention, formed of planar sheet material,are particularly simple in construction and economical to manufacture.Both the segments or members of the puppet, as well as the fasteningtabs or connecting tabs thereof, can be die cut from the planar sheetmaterial. The connecting tabs in accordance with both embodiments shownand described are inexpensive and effective for permitting selectivemovement of the puppet members relative to one another. By providingsufficient clearance between the elongate portions and the holes orapertures through which they pass, the articulated members can freelymove relative to one another. For this purpose, a manipulating board50,.for manipulating the hand, and a manipulating board 52,. formanipulating the head and legs, are provided and attached by means ofstrings 54 to selected segments or members, as well known to thoseskilled in the art, as shown in FIG. 1. The shape of the manipulatingboards and the number of strings is not critical insofar as the presentinvention is concerned. By tilting the boards 50 and -52, the strings 54are moved relative to each other and the puppet simulates humanmovements. I

With reference to the connecting tabs 31, shown in FIGS. 6-8, thesefurther facilitate shipment of assembled puppets since the tabs 31 tendto revert to the planar extents of the members out of which they areformed. Thus, while the articulated members can continue to pivot aboutthe associated elongate portions, the restoring forces developed by thebending or movement of the tabs out of the planes of the correspondingmembers tend to revert the tabs into those planes. Accordingly, as bestshown in FIG. 6, the assembled puppet is substantially contained withina single plane and can easily be enclosed in and shipped in an envelope.

Numerous alterations of the structure herein disclosed will suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understoodthat thepresent disclosure relates to a preferred embodiment of theinvention which is for purposes of illustration only and is not to beconstrued as a limitation of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A puppet comprising a plurality of members, each member beingarticulately connected to at least one other member to form a pair ofjointed members, at least one of the members of each connected pairbeing provided with an aperture and a slit extending between saidaperture and an external edge of the respective member; and a fastenerconnected to the other member of each connected pair, said fastenerhaving an elongate portion adapted to pass through a respectiveaperture, and further having an enlarged free end dimensioned to preventfree passage through said aperture, whereby said aperture can betemporarily enlarged by separating opposing edges defining said slit topermit passage of said enlarged free end of said fastener therethroughand whereby each two connected members can move relative to one anotherby pivotally moving about the elongate portion of said fastener withoutseparating due to the restraining effect of the enlarged free end.

2. A puppet as defined in claim 1, wherein said fastener is a planarmember.

3. A puppet as defined in claim 2, wherein said enlarged free end is inthe form of a semi-circular flat portion having a diametricallyextending straight edge, said elongate portion being connected to saidstraight edge.

4. A puppet as defined in claim 1, wherein said other member is flat,said fastener being die cut in said other member, and further comprisinga weakened fold line provided at the end of said elongate portionopposite to said enlarged free end, said fold line facilitating bendingof said fastener out of the plane of said other member.

5. A puppet as defined in claim 4, wherein said fold line is disposedsubstantially normally to the extent of said elongate portion, wherebysaid elongate portion can pivot about said fold line in a plane definedby said elongate portion and a direction normal to the latter.

6. A puppet as defined in claim 4, further comprising a hole disposed ateach end of said fold line and adapted to retard tearing of saidelongate portion from said other member.

7. A puppet as defined in claim 1, wherein each member is provided withan aperture at the point of articulation, said elongate portion beingadapted to pass through two apertures of two respective articulatedmembers and being provided with enlarged free ends dimensioned toprevent free passage through said apertures.

8. A puppet as defined in claim 1, wherein said members and saidfastener are planar.

1. A puppet comprising a plurality of members, each member beingarticulately connected to at least one other member to form a pair ofjointed members, at least one of the members of each connected pairbeing provided with an aperture and a slit extending between saidaperture and an external edge of the respective member; and a fastenerconnected to the other member of each connected pair, said fastenerhaving an elongate portion adapted to pass through a respectiveaperture, and further having an enlarged free end dimensioned to preventfree passage through said aperture, whereby said aperture can betemporarily enlarged by separating opposing edges defining said slit topermit passage of said enlarged free end of said fastener therethroughand whereby each two connected members can move relative to one anotherby pivotally moving about the elongate portion of said fastener withoutseparating due to the restraining effect of the enlarged free end.
 2. Apuppet as defined in claim 1, wherein said fastener is a planar member.3. A puppet as defined in claim 2, wherein said enlarged free end is inthe form of a semi-circular flat portion having a diametricallyextending straight edge, said elongate portion being connected to saidstraight edge.
 4. A puppet as defined in claim 1, wherein said othermember is flat, said fastener being die cut in said other member, andfurther comprising a weakened fold line provided at the end of saidelongate portion opposite to said enlarged free end, said fold linefacilitating bending of said fastener out of the plane of said othermember.
 5. A puppet as defined in claim 4, wherein said fold line isdisposed substantially normally to the extent of said elongate portion,whereby said elongate portion can pivot about said fold line in a planedefined by said elongate portion and a direction normal to the latter.6. A puppet as defined in claim 4, further comprising a hole disposed ateach end of said fold line and adapted to retard tearing of saidelongate portion from said other member.
 7. A puppet as defined in claim1, wherein each member is provided with an aperture at the point ofarticulation, said elongate portion being adapted to pass through twoapertures of two respective articulated members and being provided withenlarged free ends dimensioned to prevent free passage through saidapertures.
 8. A puppet as defined in claim 1, wherein said members andsaid fastener are planar.